Brian Schiff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS – Owner / Performance Physical Therapist

Brian is a licensed physical therapist in Raleigh, NC. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, strength and conditioning coach, author, industry speaker, and educator. Additionally, he is FMS certified, Rocktape FMT 1 & 2 certified, certified in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy and credentialed in dry needling in the state of North Carolina.

He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Allied Health Professions (Physical Therapy). Brian completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Northeastern University. He has been a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association since 1998.

Over the past 29 years, Brian has worked in outpatient therapy clinics focusing on sports medicine. He specializes in treating orthopedic and sports medicine cases, specifically the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. Much of his practice is centered around ACL rehab, throwing related injuries and higher level athletes. From 2000-2010 he owned and operated his own personal fitness and sports performance training facility, which he sold prior to moving to North Carolina. From 2002 to 2006, Brian served as the strength & conditioning coach for The Columbus Crew Major League Soccer Team.

Brian currently focuses on sports rehab and injury prevention. He enjoys helping active clients overcome injuries, learn to train smarter and prevent future injuries. He has worked with athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, USTA, WTA, and US Rugby, as well as numerous collegiate and high school athletes. For the past several years, he has served as a PT consultant for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Brian is a faculty member for Allied Health Education and presents continuing education webinars and live seminars for PT’s, ATC’s and fitness professionals. He also writes an online column entitled ‘Functionally Fit’ for PFP Magazine. He is married with two athletic sons (college baseball pitcher and former high school/club soccer player). He enjoys working out, spending time with his family and playing golf.

Justin Taylor, DPT – Performance Physical Therapist

Justin Taylor is a performance physical therapist specializing in strength-based rehabilitation for active adults and athletes. As a former athlete, Justin experienced years of chronic pain and frustration navigating the traditional healthcare system. Despite seeing multiple providers, he never received a clear path back to strength and performance—until working with a sports physical therapist who approached rehab differently.

Instead of focusing solely on pain, the therapist rebuilt his strength, movement, and confidence. That experience became the foundation of Justin’s career. He decided to expand his career as a personal trainer by completing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Today, Justin helps athletes and active individuals recover from ACL injuries, meniscus tears, Achilles injuries, shoulder injuries, and post-surgical weakness. His approach integrates hands-on therapy, scientific strength training, and medical expertise to help clients return not only pain-free, but physically prepared for the demands of sport and training.

Justin is known for his direct, intentional coaching style and his commitment to helping clients achieve exceptional results compared to traditional PT. His mission is simple: help people break free from the cycle of pain and weakness and return to the life they want to live.

Georgia Brandt, DPT – Performance Physical Therapist

Georgia Brandt is a Physical Therapist based in Raleigh, NC. Her passion for movement and performance began early, shaped by years of playing softball, field hockey, and basketball throughout high school and college. This lifelong involvement in athletics naturally evolved into an interest in training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech, Georgia volunteered as a student athletic trainer for the Hokies wrestling team. That hands-on experience deepened her appreciation for the rehab process and sparked a strong desire to help others return to the activities they love.

She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University and is now proud to serve the Raleigh community. She is committed to providing personalized, goal-oriented care that empowers each patient—whether they’re looking to return to sport, recover from injury, or simply move more confidently in daily life.

Outside the clinic, Georgia enjoys running, rock climbing, and playing intramural sports. She’s also a devoted Philadelphia sports fan and loves spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends.

Brad Hudson, PT, DPT, CSCS – Director of Clinical Excellence / Performance Physical Therapist

Brad is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. His expertise centers on sports rehabilitation, overhead athletes, and data-driven return-to-sport testing.

Brad’s passion for the field was shaped through years of competitive athletics and personal experience with injury and rehabilitation. The impact of skilled physical therapists and coaches during his own recovery continues to influence his approach today.

Brad played Division I baseball at Southern Illinois University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University.

Following Duke, Brad completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency with the University of Utah. During his residency, he worked directly with Utah Athletics, served on the Return-to-Play Committee developing sport-specific testing protocols, collaborated with USA Ski & Snowboard, covered high school athletics, and served as a teaching assistant for both Master of Athletic Training and Doctor of Physical Therapy students.

Brad’s treatment approach is grounded in the latest evidence and integrates hands-on care with strength and conditioning principles – a combination shaped by elite training, top-tier clinical education, and lived experience as a competitive athlete. He is committed to deliver individualized and performance-driven care tailored to each patient’s goals and the specific demands of their sport or lifestyle. Helping them recover efficiently and return stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for competition.

Outside the clinic, Brad and his wife Hunter can be found at country concerts, traveling to new places, and staying active together. Brad also enjoys lifting, hitting the golf course, and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing.

Ashley Yartin, MS, ATC, LAT – Director of Operations / Athletic Trainer

Ashley Yartin is a Board Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT) with over 19 years of experience in sports medicine, healthcare operations, and orthopedic rehabilitation. She currently serves as Director of Operations at Spark PT and Performance, where she combines her clinical background with operational leadership to support clinic growth, improve patient experience, optimize workflows, and enhance team performance.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with an emphasis in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Florida State University in 2007. She went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Management and Administration from Louisiana State University in 2009 while serving as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. During her time at LSU, Ashley was an integral member of the athletic training staff supporting the 2008 BCS National Championship football program.

Prior to transitioning into outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, Ashley spent six years as an Associate Athletic Trainer at East Carolina University, primarily supporting the women’s basketball program. In this role, she managed the comprehensive healthcare needs of student-athletes, including injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, emergency care, and daily medical operations. She also served as the Athletic Drug Testing Coordinator and provided mentorship and clinical education to undergraduate athletic training students as a preceptor within the Department of Health Sciences.

Over the past 11 years, Ashley has worked in the outpatient orthopedic setting alongside Brian Schiff and various other physical therapy providers, developing expertise in clinical operations, patient communication, insurance and healthcare processes, team coordination, and practice management. Her unique combination of clinical knowledge and operational leadership allows her to bridge the gap between patient care and business performance.

Ashley holds certifications in Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (PBFR) through Owens Recovery Science, Cupping Therapy, and American Red Cross CPR/AED. She is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and maintains licensure through the North Carolina Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and their two sons, Jace and Jack. She is passionate about serving her community through volunteering, supporting her children’s schools and activities, and staying active outdoors with her family.

Sydney Russell – Physical Therapy Aide

Sydney Russell is a therapy aide at Spark PT and Performance who is passionate about health, wellness, and helping others feel their best. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a minor in Exercise and Sport Science, and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Sydney’s interest in healthcare comes from her own passion for sports, exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being. She loves helping others discover how movement and healthy habits can positively impact both their physical and mental health.

She has gained hands-on experience in outpatient and pediatric physical therapy settings, including internships at Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital and WakeMed, as well as working as a physical therapy technician at Coastal Rehabilitation.

Sydney loves getting to know patients, cheering them on, and assisting the team in helping clients fully recover. She is excited to continue growing her clinical skills while working toward her future career in physical therapy. Outside of Spark, Sydney enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and being involved in her community.

Are you ready to recover faster and perform better?